Related Articles

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for proper plant growth. Nitrogen contributes to foliar growth of plants, trees and grass. A deficiency of nitrogen in the soil can cause plants to be sickly or even die. An excess of nitrogen, however, can burn plant roots and reduce or even halt fruit and flower production. It can also cause excess growth leading to more frequent pruning or mowing. Nitrogen levels in soil can be managed a few different ways.

1

Have a soil analysis done before attempting to change the nitrogen levels in your soil. Otherwise and excess or deficiency of nitrogen can result. Soil analysis is done by extension services.

2

Choose a fertilizer containing the appropriate amount of nitrogen for your needs. With fertilizers, the nitrogen amount is the first number in the N-P-K ratio label. If the label reads 10-10-10, for example, the fertilizer contains 10-percent nitrogen. For a nitrogen-only fertilizer, you would choose something with 0 as the second and third number.

3

Add nitrogen to soil using organic or commercial fertilizers. The type you choose depends on how you plan to use it. Slow-release fertilizers used around plants won't burn roots. Spread granular fertilizer on lawns with a lawn spreader. Feed house plants or individual trees or plants with a liquid, granular or organic fertilizer. Amend soil before planting by digging a granular or organic fertilizer into the top few inches of soil. Planting clover to cover 30-percent of the area will also add nitrogen to the soil.

4

Reduce the nitrogen level in soil by planting a cover crop that eats nitrogen or using a nitrogen-depleting mulch. Corn or crops in the squash family will absorb excess nitrogen in the soil. Mulches of sawdust or wood shavings will deplete nitrogen as they decompose by increasing the amount of nitrogen-using microbes. Spread a 2-to 3-inch layer of mulch over the area.

About the Author

Jill Kokemuller has been writing since 2010, with work published in the "Daily Gate City." She spent six years working in a private boarding school, where her focus was English, algebra and geometry. Kokemuller is an authorized substitute teacher and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa.